a bethany retrospective
July 26, 2016
The first high-quality print of the Bethany prototype case is produced using an Objet polyjet printer.
August 23, 2016
Test fitting the Miyota 9015 movement to the case mockup. This was also a test to see if I could conceivably make a wearable plastic prototype with functioning crown, etc.
September 15, 2016
With my father’s help I produce the first successful gilt dial prototype. It is beautiful.
The first prototype hands are printed on a Formlabs Form 2 printer. This was a challenging part to get right, but the Form is an excellent tool for the application.
September 17, 2016
The first wearable and entirely functional Bethany prototype is complete.
September 21, 2016
At the Northeastern University Scholars Independent Research Fund Symposium I present my work on applications of modern manufacturing methods in watchmaking.
February 24, 2017
The case shape is updated to reduce the height of the rehaut & stepped bezel by 1.5mm. Gilt syringe hands are utilized for the first time.
March 11, 2017
I complete the first prototype with knurled crown. I experiment with sealing via gaskets and a machine screws to determine if fabrication can be simplified by forgoing a threaded case & caseback. This design was not utilized in the end.
April 26, 2017
Experimenting with different dial manufacturing techniques yields an exceptionally glossy gilt dial. Ultimately this process is not sufficiently reproducible for mass-manufacturing and it is put on the backburner. The dial is saved for use in a personal prototype.
The case also receives one of its most important design details: chamfered lugs.
February 2, 2018
The first steel Bethany is assembled using a case prototype produced by my manufacturer. This prototype lacks a screw down crown and features the previous design generation’s 1.5mm taller rehaut.
May 27, 2018
I explore Ecuador and Peru with the Bethany at my side. The watch performs excellently.
October 25, 2018
The second steel Bethany is assembled using the same internal components and a revised case that features a screw down crown and 1.5mm shallower rehaut.
May 4, 2019
The Bethany is outfitted with a beads of rice bracelet. It looks excellent.
Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches empirically demonstrate the Bethany’s water resistance.
It is also unequivocally determined to be a unisex watch.
August 3, 2021
I receive the production samples for both variants of the Bethany: field and dress. This is the first time the field dial has been rendered physically.
Following some minor adjustments, this version of the Bethany will be produced in quantities of 150 units per variant.